Greece plays vital role in boosting American natural gas exports

In Athens, Greece, on a recent Thursday, U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized Greece's potential as a key player in expanding American liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe. During his visit, he highlighted the importance of Greece's regional pipeline system that stretches to several countries, including Ukraine. This meeting coincided with the rising significance of American LNG supplies within the European Market, particularly after the geopolitical tensions arising from Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. More than half of the LNG consumed in the European Union now comes from the United States, with a notable surge in imports allowing Europeans alternative sources amidst the crisis. Burgum also noted ongoing collaborations between American energy companies and Greek partners, as evidenced by Chevron’s recent announcement of a joint exploration venture with Helleniq Energy targeting offshore gas reserves near the Greek coastline. This initiative has raised concerns from Libya, which claims jurisdiction over the contested maritime areas where the exploration is set to occur. Burgum argues that these developments signify a broader narrative of energy independence and security for Eastern Europe, encouraging collaborations that allow Greek firms to participate actively in the market. The Trump administration’s strategy of energy abundance aims to bolster partnerships in Europe by providing alternatives to energy sourced from adversarial nations, thus ensuring that allies are not reliant on supplies that may jeopardize their security. This stance illustrates the ongoing shift in the energy landscape marked by prioritizing ally collaboration, particularly in light of global geopolitical shifts, and the mutual benefits that may arise for both the United States and Greece through enhanced energy cooperation.